3 video game, app developers receive state tax incentives

Two video games and a mobile app designed by Southeast Michigan companies were awarded close to $300,000 in taxpayer funding, the state’s film office announced today.

Video games and apps qualify for the same level of incentives as television shows and films in the state. The Legislature appropriated $50 million for all such incentives for this fiscal year, which ends in September.

“Michigan is home to some terrific digital media talent and infrastructure,” Margaret O’Riley, director of the Michigan Film Office, said in a statement. “These projects add to a strong foundation as we work to attract new digital media and video game development projects to the state.”

The projects are:

Santa & His Elves, a smartphone and tablet app developed by Bloomfield Hills-based Believe, will be available on Apple iOS and Android devices. The company made 15 new hires, with the equivalent of two full-time jobs, and was awarded $59,682, based on projected in-state expenditures of $177,677.

Health Games for Kids, a mobile video game for children that teaches them to eat healthy and be more active, was designed by Southfield-based PIXO Group, which made 11 new hires, with the equivalent of three full-time jobs. It was awarded $48,261 based on projected in-state expenditures of $138,877. The game will be available at the Apple App store and the Google PLAY Mobile App marketplace.

Scrap Yard, a 2D multiplayer combat video game, was developed at Saline-based Quantum Signal LLC. It was awarded $192,055, based on projected in-state expenditures of $711,316. The company’s existing staff and one new hire will work on the game. The game is being made for Windows, and possibly other platforms.